Asylum Seekers: EPP Group calls for a binding quota for distribution in EU countries

At its meeting in Milan today, the EPP Group Bureau has decided to call for the introduction of a binding solidarity mechanism for asylum seekers.

"No more words, but concrete responses are needed to respond to the immigration problems we are facing today. The EPP Group in the European Parliament wants the existing Dublin System to be complemented through a binding solidarity mechanism for asylum seekers in Europe. Refugees are not something that only a few Member States have to take care of. They are a challenge for Europe as a whole. This is why the burden should be shared. This is the signal we are sending from Milan, and which we will push for in Brussels and in the capitals", said Manfred Weber MEP, Chairman of the EPP Group.

The European Summit cannot end up as a mere photo session. It has to result in a strong response to the tragedies of the past months. Priority should go to a quick stepping-up of the rescue missions, the strengthening of FRONTEX and setting up a holistic EU border control and rescue mission. Additional steps will be to intensify the fight against smugglers and stronger cooperation with Mediterranean neighbours and the countries of origin of the refugees. We expect the European Commission to present a comprehensive migration strategy in May, but Member States should also start by implementing the common EU rules on asylum and stop delaying them."

Background: the EPP Group Bureau is discussing its Position Paper on migration policy at its meeting today in Milan. Among other points, its Members decided that as far as dealing with asylum seekers is concerned, the EPP Group is in favour of complementing the current Dublin System through a binding solidarity mechanism, i.e. a quota for the distribution of asylum seekers once a clear threshold is surpassed. This quota should take into account the size and population of a country, its economic situation and the number of persons already enjoying protection in the Member State.

The Position Paper still needs to be formally adopted by the EPP Group next week.